I typically hate bargain shopping - the crowds, the messy racks, the cramped dressing rooms complete with unflattering lighting all before you even get to the long-ass checkout line. This is when I usually abandon ship... last season's denim just isn't worth the hassle. And then there's Nordstrom Rack. The racks are well-maintained and staffers continually straighten them throughout the day. Dressing room lines are never out-of-control, and the actual rooms feature decent lighting. This particular store boasts an especially large sunglasses selection downstairs and the shoes... oh god, the shoes. Don't forget to check the special designer racks; you may just leave with a coveted pair of buttery, slouchy suede boots. The denim selection is deep and fabulous - Seven for All Mankind jeans will run you a cool Benjamin and a few other designers go for about $80. Got a new pair of dark skinnies... score! Insider tip: make sure you peruse the sunglasses section carefully and you'll find a few stray pairs of Ray-Bans despite not having a designated section. You're welcome! read more

Go put the kettle on. Now, grab a tea bag and wait for the kettle to boil. Once the kettle boils, dip your tea bag in and steep for 3-4 minutes for a strong cuppa tea. Remove the tea bag and enjoy your tea. But don't throw the tea bag out just yet. Set it aside. The next day, put the kettle on, take the tea bag from the prior day you set aside, dip your tea bag in and steep for 5-6 minutes for a cuppa weak tea. Remove the bag and try to enjoy your tea, which won't be anywhere near as strong as it was on day one. But don't throw the tea bag out just yet. Set it aside. Stay with me. On the third day, put the kettle on, take the tea bag you've now set aside for two consecutive days, dip the tea bag in the boiling water and steep for 8-10 minutes. The remaining tasteless barely brown water is basically what you should expect upon a visit to this Nordstrom Rack. Thanks, Mr. McCourt. First of all, when you enter the building you have to make it past the fortress-like racks of women's accessories at the bottom of the escalator. These racks are placed such that it's like trying to run through kickoff coverage without any blockers. Wow. Once you make it past those racks, you get to the escalator to heaven. I don't know if there's a longer or higher escalator outside of the one at CNN Center. One would think getting this high in the clouds after ascending this escalator and with the Nordy's name on the marquee it would be a religious experience getting to the apex. Nothin' doin'. I browsed through the men's jackets, shirts and shoes. Finds? Nothin' doin'. I even found a pair of shoes similar to a pair I'd seen on sale for less at Nordy's online store. I suppose it's worth a quick visit to make that one impossible discovery, but you're really better off staying on Nordy's online store if you're looking for any sort of deals. Unless you like drinking cups of brown water from three day old tea bags. read more

This is as close to "high fashion" as I'm going to get unless I suddenly decide an outfit/accessory is worth selling a kidney. In my attempts at acquiring adult skill sets, wardrobe care was not one of them. Dry Clean only? [pfffttt, tosses into wash with a mix of colors] Nordstrom Rack has been my savior for all types of fashion emergencies. The Rack made sure I looked presentable for professional conferences, comfortable yet chic for overseas travel, and I-can't-believe-she's-not-really-nouveau-riche for special events/parties. Admittedly it can be a hit/miss, but enter with an open mind for a find! On more occasions, my shopping triumphs have completely overshadowed shopper's remorse. When something unexpected happened to my maid of honor dress, I managed to pull out a last minute doppelgänger two days before my flight. Considering the bride's stringent specs on color and shape, I was flabbergasted by the find. Plus it cost me less than my original frock. Score! In preparation for a barrage of black tie optional weddings, I managed to walk out with two dresses to fit the scene-- all for less than one Rent-the-Runway frock. Take that RTR! Fabulous shoes to match? The Rack's got it handled. The question really is what have I NOT purchased from The Rack? She's the Fairy Godmother I never had. read more

I always go to Nordstrom Rack thinking there will be fantastic deals - possibly because I frequently shop Nordstrom's online sales, and that stuff is always great and heavily discounted. The actual, physical Nordstrom Rack experience is much different. The checkout lines are always far too long, and the salespeople always ignore me in favor of people who look like they actually have money (is it my fault I look 15?). The racks are disorganized and sizes are often misplaced. And the sales are nowhere near as good as they are online. read more

Here's a tip, when people complain, saying "Thanks we will share with our team" is the laziest freaking response you could ever give. I didn't know the service was discounted too. Your management is an embarrassment . Did you hire a bunch of kids out of college or are they all going through a mid life crisis and just don't care anymore? Either way I'm embarrassed for your "leadership" and I use that word very tenuously based on the lack of skill set in conflict resolution that has been demonstrated . I wish I could hit zero stars. Save yourself the irritation and go to neimans or Vonmaur. read more

This is one of those places that I don't want to give 5 stars just because I want it to be my little secret...but, just this once I'll let you in... This is my absolute favorite Nordstrom Rack! You can find some seriously great deals on high-end brands like Armani, Lanvin, Burberry, Alexander Wang, and the list goes on! Sure, a lot of the stock is still expensive, but a fraction of the original value. My best find was a Helmut Lang dress for 95% off (how is that even possible???). Honestly, you don't have to look very hard to find a great item for a good price! For an outlet, the store stays well organized. There is a lot of stock but does not feel cluttered. The stock changes every week or two, which may be the joy of your closet, but the death of your bank account... read more

I never noticed this Nordstrom Rack and decided to walk in on a whim. The downstairs area was small with a few racks of scarves, jewelry, and bags. There were a few associates, but no check out counter. Everything else was up the escalator. Upstairs I saw more scarves and tons of clothing racks. It was a bit overwhelming to look at. I browsed a sale rack of what appeared to be pashminas for $9.99! Woot! Pashmina in hand, I stood in line for a register. The set up for checkout was not too different from a DMV. There were numbers over head and a speaker directing the next customer in line to go to a certain number register. I discussed my pashmina purchase with the associate. She explained that it's not a pashmina because pashmina's are made of cashmere. Interesting... I had no idea. She went on to tell me about their reward program where you can register your checking account information with them and your purchases can be tracked by the store. Um. Who carries their checking account number and routing number with them these days? Good idea, but needs some improvement. Overall, my experience at this Nordstrom Rack was okay. I prefer the Nordstrom Rack in Lombard/Oak Brook, but generally dislike department stores (and especially discount stores). read more

While I prefer Marshall's & TJ Maxx (god--does this show how cheap I am?!?!), the Rack is another one of my favorite shopping destinations. And while Racks in general are absolute MESSES of rabid humans and gobs of clothes laying in forlorn piles, this locations manages to keep it together pretty well (especially considering its on Michigan Ave) Actually, I was surprised at how organized the store was. First, let's talk shoes. The shoe section is large and in charge. AND, unlike other Rack locations, here you can actually try on both shoes without having to go to a window! (exciting for those of us who tend to have two different-sized feetsies) The womens section tends to swallow the entire store, but I think that's just a metaphor for life in general. Deal with it, guys. I did find it rather hard to find work dresses--it wasn't laid out logically, and they tend to be smattered among other collections. And the selection wasn't as expansive as I had hoped. One demerit for you. Great selection of accessories, especially tights and pantyhose and the like. And despite the masses of human beings, the store is large enough to ward of impending claustrophobia. read more

So, everything is bigger in Texas, right? That most definitely holds true for Nordstrom Rack. Perhaps I'm spoiled rotten with the size of the store close to the galleria, but this store is fairly small and cramped in comparison. It kind of reminds me of a Ross or Marshall's. The shoe department was the highlight for me with its great selection of designers and others. I scored 2 beautiful pairs of Via Spiga pumps, as well as Anne Klein flats, and Michael Kors loafers for very reasonable prices. As for the clothing department, I was a tad disappointed. The selection was not what I was expecting for this chain of department stores. MY past experience in Nordstrom Rack stores are that the clothing choices are pretty vast and very well priced. I felt that the selection at this store wasn't the best and I really felt like I was in a Marshall's which is not the norm. Overall, the staff was nice, the store was well kept, the sunglass and shoe selection was awesome, but I wouldn't go out of my way to come back. I might just save my pennies for when I return to the H :) read more

Too hot - had to cut my shopping trip really short as I could not stand the oppressive heat. Heard many other customers also walking out because it was so uncomfortably hot. Would have spent several hundred more dollars but couldn't stand being so hot. Hope the management reads this and starts paying attention to the environment in the store - everybody was clearly miserable inside. read more

The selection is great. The prices are reasonable but the staff is definitely underwhelming. I realize it gets a fair amount of traffic but I wish they were better with keeping it tidy and organized. And the checkout always feels slow and inefficient. It's fine for what it is but it's never a quick trip. You'll be digging through piles to find great deals and wait forever in checkout. read more

I've been here twice already. It's a step up (er, escalator up?) from the State Street store: - I love the roominess with no one up in your business while you're shopping. I prefer to shop after work or before closing to avoid any hovering by other shoppers. - There are more check-out registers making it easier and less of a wait in line. - Womens' shoe department is massive. I almost kind of feel bad for the mens. - Employees appeared to be everywhere and nice enough to answer my annoying questions. - Sadly, ladies petite sizes is non-existent. Oh well. I scored a pair of peep toe shoes (see bullet point 3) that I still could pull off with this current warm weather. Hooray! read more

This Nordstrom Rack is the best one that I have ever been to in terms of selection. I feel that it offers a much wider variety of designer merchandise than other locations. Here, I've often found great deals on Burberry, a brand that I haven't seen many other stores to carry, although they still do carry the typical Steve Madden fare. Although not always perfectly organized, I feel like that can't be expected; this is an outlet after all! And digging through (somewhat) disorganized racks is part of what makes it so exciting when you find something great, anyways! 5 stars for this location! read more

Big selection of hats, gloves, and scarves by the entrance. I kinda wished I lived in a colder climate so I could get some cute hat/gloves/scarf ensemble. read more

No petite section at all. Booooo! The other Nordstrom Rack in the city (on State street) does have petites, and that is one of the distinguishing qualities that put it a step above Marshalls and TJ max. I will say that this new Nord Rack is very clean and organized, and has lot of great shoes, including boots aplenty, so worth checking out. But it's lame that they dont serve petites, who I would unscientifically estimate are about 40% of female shoppers (that is, those 5'4'' and under.) (Short bargain hunters can step over to Filene's on Michigan to see some petite merch.) read more

I stopped in here a few days after it opened, and it's sooo much better than State Street! Bigger, better layout and better merch selection! Plenty of friendly staff at every turn, I heart Nordstrom and their new rack! (no pun intended) I found the cutest crossbody bag, and I made the biggest mistake of not buying it... So I guess I have to go back right? read more

Great for going in and out. I frequently visit for only 10 minutes to raid and see if there is a good deal. Most things are not a great bargain and it's worth waiting to see that clearance tage. Also not that a lot of merchandise is meant to be sold at discount and never sold at that ridiculous full price. Sometimes they'll have a few bits from the likes of Thom browne, Moncler, Balmain, Versace mainline, and Gucci but Burberry shows up pretty often at a moderate discount. read more

This Rack location is smaller than most other Racks I've been to and has a terrible selection of dresses for size 10 women. There are some really cheaply made garments in there for $80. Get it together NR! I had a fine experience at the register. It was between Christmas and NYE and I know that its a terrible time to run register. But they got me in and out. Minimal pleasantries. read more

Spacious and well layed out, though quite full of merchandise. I have not had much success finding men's suits as this location as I have at other Nordstrom Racks. The selection of ties, shirts, and accessories like pocket squares cannot be beat. Convenient location, just a block off of Michigan Avenue. read more

Nordstrom Rack was just meh. Didn't find anything at this location that I really liked, it was all still just overpriced stuff that was missing a lot of buttons. Wasn't overly impressed with their selection at all. read more

If the State St. Rack and the Chicago Ave Rack got together and had a baby, it would be a 5 star store. I'm not petite, but I'm pretty sure that petite women would appreciate having a section. For that alone, I had to to take off a star. On the plus side, it's definitely more spacious than the State St. store. I can actually browse in there and not feel like I need to breathe into a paper bag to deal with my claustrophobia. I didn't look at the shoes, but I am sure that had I did so, my Nordstrom card would be revolting against me. read more

I agree with the other Yelp reviews that lament the absence of a petites section here. As a shopper who "rounds up" to 5 feet even, I'm not likely to be buying clothes anywhere that can't accommodate shorties like me. However, I'm a big fan of how this particular location has made it really easy to quickly purchase the kind of items that I always seem to lose -- mittens, gloves, scarves, and umbrellas. There's a register downstairs, just inside the entrance, so you can grab these things really quickly without even having to ride the escalator into the actual store. Smart thinking, and definitely appreciated on blustery, snowy days. A welcome addition to the Mag Mile area! read more

I'm so happy to see a new location open downtown! Very organized. I love the checkout system with the dummy "next" signs. Hey...we need them on the Mile. This store is very small but laid out very well. And so far, the staff has been easily accessible, even during the holiday season. Too new to weigh in on the service but thus far I am impressed. This is the Nordy service I grew up with (and was later trained) to know. Oh what beautiful priced designer shoes you have..... read more

Friendly and helpful fitting room staff, decent selection, but everything is everywhere and there is little breathing room! I can't give higher than 3 stars. I'd recommend it, but don't expect a ton from any exploration here. read more

This location is great for jeans....other than that, skip it. Very small store, nothing exciting. Shoe selection at the other store is wayyy better from my experience. The only other area that was kind of good was the "from our Nordstrom stores" section. Alas, I found a super cute blazer for $250...not quite the deal I was looking for :) read more

Had a successful trip here, found a great pair of Nike running shoes for only $65! Of course I'm happy :). My boyfriend found a Kenneth Cole belt for only $12 too. A store like this can be pretty hit or miss, but the shoe selection here is awesome and the merchandise is decently organized. The cheap prices and good selection is enough to keep me coming back! read more

Every associate was helpful except my last cashier. Who was rude and didn't even take the time to give me a extra bag. After spending over $1000. It's sad that we still accept this type of treatment I'm out business. Cashier name-Suleima L. read more

Every time I am in Chicago, I have to check out Nordstrom Rack. It's the place to go for designer products at discounted prices. Sure, they may be from last season, but you are still getting higher quality products. You can find brands like Kate spade, Michael Kors, Marc by Marc Jacobs, and Uggs. They have great purses, and shoes too. It's a good place to buy winter boots and rain boots. Their clothing is a little harder to go through, unless you love digging through racks, but sometimes you can find a nice gem. The salespeople are nice and helpful, but they can't really help you find a size or anything. Come during double and triple point days if you have a Nordstrom card! read more

The first thing I noticed about this new store (went shopping last weekend) is the huge line to get in.. wow, that's good, right? Like the storefront (better layout, dare I say better accessories?), and found that the store itself is much better organized and upscale-looking. Sadly, I didn't like the selection as much as the other location and ended up going to the NR on State immediately afterward, where I found an awesome windproof jacket and a running hoodie. Overall, s'okay. Good for those wanting the nice upscale department store feel while paying Nordstrom Rack prices. read more

Nordstrom Rack is the high end form of TJ Maxx. I was completely shocked to see the brands featured here. And I was also shocked to see the layout look completely identical to a TJ Maxx. I hate that there really isn't much organization happening along the racks. Its very hashed, and you really have to dig to find what you want. With that said, the price point here really is great! I know the State street location as more product, but for men's , I think this has the better shoe section. Especially clearance shoes. What I can't stand here are the workers. Nordstrom quality product/price tag, TJ Maxx quality employees. No one interacts with you unless you force them to, they wear coordinating t-shirts (probably not their decision but still), ...its just sloppy. If nordstrom is anywhere in the name, I still want an elevated experience. read more

Love love love! The selection here is great, although some items are still priced high you can still get great finds if you dig deep enough! read more

Always find a nice gift here. It's a high traffic Nordstrom rack so it's as organized at possible. Space is tight but if you have the patients to move and look you'll love it. read more

I always go to this Nordstrom Rack because it's closest to my place. I will warn you, don't go on a Saturday unless you just LOVE fighting crowds of tourists. Apparently this is just close enough to shopping on Michigan that they crowd in and slow-walk all over the store. The store is well-maintained and clean; the women's dressing room usually has a line but the wait isn't too horrible. The staff ranges from either very helpful and nice to "I just don't really give a shit" but will all help you well enough. Do yourself a favor: skip the long long line and find someone walking around the store. Anyone in a green Nordstrom rack shirt can check you out with some fancy iPhone checkout thing. They have a good selection of clothes (not as many higher-end brand women's clothes), watches (good quality ones!), and bags (very very good selection of bags). read more

I love this store! I always find really cool items that I love. They have brand name products at a fraction of the cost; from purses to cosmetics to clothing. Recently finds were Urban Decay makeup palettes, scarves, makeup bags, sunglasses, and OPI nail polish. And the staff is always friendly and helpful when I need assistance. This is one of my favorite stores to visit multiple times when I am in Chicago. read more

The best prices and selection on men's jeans. I've bought a ton of clothes and a pair of shoes here over the past few years.

Always come here for gifts. I work down the street and at Eatlay and it's my go to for almost anything, or just a lunch break retail therapy trip. The manager there is lovely, can't remember his name, but very tall with dark hair and he helped me pick out the perfect gifts for my bridal party! read more

Not a fan. You ascend on this super tall escalator, thinking you're on the way to something really great. Once you reach the shopping area....it's just "meh". Really nothing special. The jean selection was decent, hence the 2 star review as opposed to 1. The clothing selection was ok...there wasn't a lot of choices. I saw a lot of juicy couture track suits. Not a lot of variety. The space was pretty large, yet it seemed small and cramped. The first floor was arranged only with backpacks, sunglasses and some random neutrogena products. There was no second floor. In fact, when you take the elevator, it says "1" and then "3". I didn't love or hate this store. I hope if I do venture back at some point, they carry a more varied assortment of styles and not just track suits and work attire. read more

While you may find a diverse opportunity for some great brands at a steal of a price you pay for it in their lack of customer service. Nordstrom used to be a place where the customer felt valued and catered to, not so much anymore. On 3 separate orders they have either lost my items saying they were delivered or have to wait double the shipping times and missing my families milestones in which gifts are the norm. You continue to let me down Nordstrom Rack, I am not impressed and would not recommend you to anyone. I graciously gave you two stars as you have some nice items to choose from should you shop in store. read more

We're here on a Saturday with the boys the place was extremely busy but we did get a good deal on a backpack and they did have a great selection of shoes and boots. They had plenty of cash registers open so going through the line was quick. We need to come back on a weekday. read more

This is a nice Nordstrom Rack location that both my wife and my daughter enjoy shopping at. Depending on the time of the year, the shelves may be a bit messy or bare, but there are many great deals to be had on otherwise expensive items. The store staff are quite friendly and were able to assist me when purchasing a new watch for my son and a wallet for my daughter. The girl helping me (I believe her name was Jessica?) was friendly and offered her insight into what a girl in her late teens would enjoy receiving as a gift. I would recommend this store to anyone looking for good items at a lower price than many high-end retailers. read more